If you're thinking about running for public office next year and want to learn about the ins and outs of throwing your hat in the ring, there's a forum you might want to attend Thursday night at the downtown Ann Arbor library.

The Ann Arbor chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the League of Women Voters in Ann Arbor are teaming up to host a free public forum called "Running for Public Office 101," from 7-8:30 p.m. at 343 S. Fifth Ave.

Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum will be one of the panelists during a forum about running for public office Thursday night at the the downtown Ann Arbor library.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The forum will feature three panelists who have successfully run for public office, including Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum, Ann Arbor school board president Deb Mexicotte, and County Commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr., as well as Alex Yerkey of Checkmate Campaign Strategies.

The discussion will be moderated by former Ann Arbor City Council member Wendy Woods.

Kestenbaum's office recently declared a candidate ineligible to run for office this year because she didn't have enough valid petition signatures. Jane Bassett, who was hoping to become Washtenaw County's next probate judge, turned in 980 valid signatures when she needed 1,000, and so she won't appear on the ballot now.

Kestenbaum offers this advice to candidates: "If you're running for an office that requires a substantial number of signatures, start early, train and supervise your circulators, and get substantially more than the bare minimum number."